WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $737,620 grant to the City of Cumberland to make improvements to an access road in the Central Business District of the City. The access road will improve access to businesses and key institutions in Cumberland and create new jobs.

“In addition to creating new jobs, this ARC grant provides the funds that are needed to improve an important access road to Cumberland’s Business District,” said Senator Cardin.  “Cumberland’s Business District is an important commercial and economic engine for Allegany County and these improvements will bring even more people to the area.”

“This grant is about jobs in Western Maryland,” said Senator Mikulski. “These federal funds will help support construction jobs in Allegany County today and build the infrastructure it needs to attract new businesses and new jobs for tomorrow.”

ARC funds will be used to widen approximately .62 miles of Baltimore Avenue with new curbs and sidewalks in addition to repaving the roadway.  The project will also make improvements to traffic signs and control devices for the roadway.  The access road will provide improved access to a regional medical center, Allegany College of Maryland, Interstate 68 and new business developments along the Willowbrook Road corridor.  Officials estimate that the project will support the creation of approximately 23 new jobs over the next five years.

The Maryland State Highway Administration will administer the project. In addition to ARC funds, the City of Cumberland will provide an additional $436,144 for the project, which is estimated to cost a total of $1,173,764.

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

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